Have a read:
- The underground shopping arcade 30 seconds from Oxford Street.
- Is Crossrail going to obliterate the Heathrow Express?
- The tube's lost spiral escalator.
- What's it like being a London newsagent?
- There's a place called Tooting on Mars.
Things to do
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: If you don't want the festivities to end, take a look at our Christmas in London page where we've gathered all the information you need to make the most of the festive season in London.
ICE SKATING: Burn off those excess calories, by taking to the ice at one of London's seasonal skating rinks. Various prices and dates, booking recommended.
CONSERVATORY TOUR: Did you know about the tropical conservatory in the City of London? Today, take a tour led by resident gardeners to learn a bit more about the plants kept there and what goes into looking after them. £12.50, book ahead, 11am
CHRISTMAS CAROL: The Museum of London hosts a family-friendly (age 5+) performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol — a great opportunity to introduce the little ones to Scrooge, Bob, and Dickens' other characters. Free, get tickets on arrival, 12.30pm-2pm, 27-28 December
DICK WHITTINGTON: Starting at Bank, this Footprints of London walking tour visits City sights linked to former mayor of London Sir Richard Whittington, who inspired the legend of Dick Whittington. See statues and plaques dedicated to him, and the church where he's buried — and find out if he really had a cat. £9-£35, book ahead, 1pm
DANCE: Swing, hop and shuffle in this afternoon dance session at Southbank Centre. Lindy Hop, Charleston and live jazz are all on the bill. Free, just turn up, 3pm
LOVE ACTUALLY: No, not another film screening, but a walking tour combining locations featured in the film Love Actually and some of London's best Christmas lights. We reckon this one will keep the festive feels alive well into the New Year. £9-£12, book ahead, 6.30pm
STAR WARS: Calling all Star Wars fans: get yourselves to Barbican for an orchestral performance of the Star Wars score, plus other cinematic classics by John Williams including ET, Harry Potter, Jaws and Jurassic Park. £16.50-£42.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
CARRIAGE RIDE: If you feel like splashing the cash, take a romantic horse drawn carriage ride through Richmond Park, complete with sloe gin, mince pie, and a chance to see behind the scenes at the stables. Watch our video below for more info. £125 for two, book ahead, 27-30 December
Not got your New Year's Eve plans sorted yet? Take a look at our guide to what's on in London, and get planning, pronto.